Tag Archives: Heineken Cup

EPCR have confirmed the possible venues for the Heineken Cup semi-finals with the Irish sides potentially facing a trip to the Aviva Stadium in the last four. Home advantage for teams in the last eight will be based off their pool rankings, with Leinster ranked 2nd, Munster 5th and Ulster 6th. The first of the two semi-finals will consist of …

It’s semi-final week in the European Champions Cup, as fans of Leinster, Clermont, Munster and Saracens dream of European glory. Be it the European Champions Cup or the older format of the Heineken Cup, we’ve witnessed some great teams down through the years since the competition’s inception in 1995. Overall, there have been 11 different teams who have reached the …

Late last week the British and Irish Lions media team circulated an email confirming that Warren Gatland would name his squad on April 19. The unveiling of the touring squad will be the centrepiece of a well coordinated day designed to facilitate the various media organisations from across the rugby world. However, while fans and commentators look forward to April 19 …

Ireland and Munster rugby legend Ronan O’Gara turns 40 today, and to celebrate the big milestone for the man from Cork let’s look back at five memorable moments from his illustrious career. Amassing 128 caps for Ireland and a further 240 for Munster, O’Gara is by far and away the best out-half the country has ever produced. With over 3500 …

World-renowned referee Romain Poite has officiated in every major tournament in the world and been involved in of the sport’s biggest games. In an exclusive interview, Pundit Arena’s Paul Wassell caught up with him to talk about the changing nature of the job, what he loves about refereeing and how relationships between referees and fans, players and coaches are all …

Daniel Rey picks his eight teams to emerge to the European Champions Cup quarter-finals. The European Champions Cup is one of the most exciting tournaments in world rugby. Nothing exemplifies this more than the battle to get out of the pools, and if possible, secure a home quarter-final. With Europe’s premier club rugby competition about to kick-off, which sides are …

Former All Blacks legend Brad Thorn has revealed that he is to lace up the boots once again at the age of 41 after having only retired last year. Thorn, who had initially crossed codes to the XV aside discipline from league, is one of a highly rare breed of player who has won the ‘holy-trinity’ of rugby in capturing …

Justin Fitzpatrick’s time in rugby has seen him travel all over the world. Taking in rugby across Europe with London Irish, Ulster and Castres during his playing days, as well as touring the globe as he amassed his 26 Ireland caps, Fitzpatrick recently took the decision to cross the Atlantic to take up the Director of Rugby position with US …

In rugby we’re fortunate enough to have three great sporting nations in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, but what would a team made up of their most successful players look like? What the Pacific Islanders may sometimes lack in structure, they more than make up for in flair and physicality, and some of the most enthralling games in the sport have …

Munster Rugby has today confirmed via statement that former captain, and Munster living legend Paul O’Connell is to return to the province in a professional context. The Limerick native who spent 14 years at Thomond Park has been unveiled as the newest member of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy taking on an advisory role and will oversee the next wave …

Following on from Pundit Arena’s EXCLUSIVE report that Eoin Reddan was on the verge of announcing his retirement from professional rugby, the Leinster scrum-half has today officially stated to the media that he is to hang up the boots following Ireland’s test series clincher with the Springboks this weekend. With the signing of Kiwi scrum half Jamison Gibson-Park at Leinster and what …

When you reach the top there is only one way to go – down. This is where Top 14 giants Toulon now find themselves. When speaking of Europe’s top club rugby sides, French team Toulon will always be part of the conversation. Established in 1908, it has only been since the acquisition of the club by rich local businessman Mourad …

Arguably PRO Rugby’s greatest transfer coup, Pedrie Wannenburg is an individual with three Super Rugby titles, 114 Super Rugby caps, a Heineken Cup final and 20 appearances for the Springboks. He has played in almost every major rugby tournament across the globe and garnered success in every venture. Yet this sporting pioneer is a remarkably humble man. When asked about his …

Coolness, complete calm and total composure. These three adjectives could not be anymore apt in detailing the resolute mindset of legendary sharp-shooter Jonny Wilkinson. With an unparalleled assurance and indomitable self-belief, Wilko was a true ‘once-in-a-generation’ talent. Time-and-time again the legendary out-half not only stood up to the decisive moment with the game in the balance, he took the moment …

The golden era of Irish rugby is over. This is a fact. The days when Munster and then Leinster ruled the European club game are fast receding into the dusty areas of memory, a place where the heroic feats of the provinces are discussed by starting with ‘remember when…’. The club landscape has changed. French and English club rugby saw …